The EU is developing a rating system for data centers under the Energy Efficiency Directive. IDED commented on the draft, urging stronger sustainability indicators, shorter reporting periods, and full transparency.
The EU is developing an assessment system for data centers as part of the Energy Efficiency Directive. IDED commented on the draft, calling for more robust sustainability indicators, shorter reporting timelines, and complete transparency.
IDED (formerly known as SDIA) reviewed the EU's proposed delegated act to implement an assessment system for data centers. The main finding: The proposed indicators measure too narrowly. They cover resource consumption but do not account for the actual environmental impact of IT equipment and network operations.
The recommendations include:
Broader sustainability indicators: Go beyond energy efficiency to include the environmental impact of all IT equipment and network operations.
Shorter reporting cycles: The proposed timelines do not keep pace with the growth of digital infrastructure. Annual reporting is insufficient.
Open data: The environmental performance of data centers must be published with full transparency and accessible for research — as a foundation for accountability and evidence-based policymaking.
The full statement is available for download.